Recently the American Gem Trade Association Gemological Testing Center (AGTA-GTC) and American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) received a number of faceted tanzanite samples that were determined to have been coated. Evan Caplan of Omi Gems, Inc. sent  samples to several labs after a light repolishing of a few stones resulted in a noticeable loss of color. “Until now, we had not identified a coating on tanzanite to improve its color.” indicated Dr. Lore Kiefert, Director of the AGTA-GTC.

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Burma (now known as Myanmar), it is generally believed, produces most of the world’s gem rubies by value. Yet the Burmese government’s violent response to protesters this fall has resulted in calls for further government and industry sanctions against gems mined there. As a result, some jewelers and gem dealers are asking themselves what other countries to turn to for rubies. Fortunately, at least 90 ruby mines in 17 countries were producing in the 1990s (see the article on gem localities of the 1990s by James E. Shigley and colleagues in the Winter 2000 issue of Gems & Gemology), with many more mines discovered since then.

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The threat of news that President Robert Mugabe wants to nationals 51% of all mines owned by foreigners has been put on hold.

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American and European citizens that travel to South Korea who intend to buy a ruby or a diamond as gift should be aware that they might pay too much for these items.

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